Even on the subject of death, Queen Victoria (1819–1901) is eloquent—or at least it was the intention of Her Majesty’s aides to make it appear so. In this well-expressed missive signed by Victoria, the President of Honduras is appraised of the regrettable fact that King George of Hanover has passed away. The note, dated June 25, 1878, reads in part, “Our good friend we fulfill a painful task in announcing to you the death of our beloved Cousin His Majesty King George of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland, who departed this life at Paris, at half past five o’clock on the morning of the 12th Instant, in the 60th year of his age. We feel assured from the Proofs of Friendship which you have manifested towards us on other occassions affecting our Happiness, that you will sympathize in our afflication on the loss of this our beloved Relative. And so we recommend you to the Protectoin of The Almighty, given at Our Court at Windsor Castle the twenty fifth day of June in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight-hundred and seventy eight, and in the Forty Second year of our Reign.” Her Excellancy signed “Victoria R.I.” on the back of the one-page message (manuscript on both sides), and the quality of the Queen’s bold and flowing penmanship attests to the intended force behind the sad communication. The 7.75 x 12.5, black-bordered page bears standard compacting folds (one of which passes through “Victoria”), as well as mild evidence of handling wear; fine condition. RRAuction COA.
